Code：G2B60122 / Instructor：SAKAMOTO Shinichi
Course Description
In this course, guest speakers from government, businesses, environmental NPOs, etc., who are involved in environmental action in Nagano Prefecture will share their accounts of their efforts and their thoughts. By listening to lectures on topics such as the various ways to engage with environmental issues, perspectives on environmental issues, and challenges in practice, students will broaden their knowledge of the environmental field and develop the ability to think and act with an environmental mindset.
In the second half of the course, each student will produce a presentation on “ways of getting involved in the environmental field” and deepen their understanding through group work and question-and-answer sessions. Emphasis will be placed on students’ comments and participation. Each student will prepare a final report based on this work.
This class is a subject exclusive to the Environmental Awareness Training Course, one of the new cross-university special education programs created in AY2019; therefore, priority may be given to students of this program who wish to take the course.
Keywords
SDGs, sustainable development, global warming, zero carbon, regional recycling symbiosis area, international cooperation, ecosystem service, ecotourism, environmental education, NPO, consensus formation, Shinshū, natural environment, environmental mindset, group work, fieldwork, communication, practical experience
Course Plan
In the Orientation in Session 1, the instructor in charge will explain the structure of the course and several topics in the environmental field. In Sessions 2 to 12, practitioners from government, businesses, and NPOs will give lectures as guest speakers. The lectures will focus on various environmental initiatives in Nagano Prefecture. Based on these lectures, students will prepare presentations on ways they can be involved in the environmental field. Students will also deepen their understanding through group work and question-and-answer sessions. A general discussion will be held for each topic, with emphasis placed on students’ contributions and participation in these discussions and the question-and-answer sessions. Students will then prepare a final report that explains their approach to addressing environmental challenges.
1. Orientation (various issues in the environmental field)
2. Regional circulation symbiotic sphere
3. Chūbu-Sangaku National Park
4. NPO initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable local community (rice terraces)
5. Energy measures and food waste (Matsumoto City)
6. Forest creation
7. The global warming problem (Nagano Prefecture)
8. Energy conservation measures in buildings
9. ESG financing
10. Ecotourism
11. International cooperation
12. Solving the world’s water problems: Efforts at the Global Aqua Innovation Center
13. Discussion
14. Presentation assignment
15. Summary; class questionnaire
Lectures 2–12 will be given by guest lecturers with practical experience, and the topics are subject to change. The contents may be reordered or changed depending on the progress of the class.
